The Half Dome 2018 is technically retired but it's still sold online.The Half Dome 2018 is no longer produced by Black Diamond. We're showing it as "available" on WeighMyRack because you can still find it at trustworthy online retailers.

Half Dome 2018

Black Diamond

Rating

Description

Completely redesigned from the ground up, the Black Diamond Half Dome is the evolution of our most popular climbing helmet. With an improved fit and weight savings of more than 40 grams over the original, the Half Dome is an all-purpose workhorse ideal for everything from trad cragging to alpine expeditions. We also added a custom-designed wheel adjuster for quick, secure and precise adjustments.

Weight (g)

If there are differences in weight (due to multiple size or optional accessories) we note those here.

310 g

S/M: 310 g / 11 oz
M/L: 340 g / 12 oz

Gender

Gender

This is the gender as stated by the manufacturer/brand.

We use the term "Men" and "Unisex" interchangeably, as there is no difference between these types of helmets.

Unisex

Size Range

Size Range

The sizing options of the helmet according to the manufacturer.

19.00 in - 24.00 in

S/M: 48-57 cm / 19-22.5 in
M/L: 55-61.5 cm / 22-24 in

Quick Adjust

Quick Adjust

Quick Adjust refers to the straps of the helmet. Do you want the ability to ability to "quickly" adjust the fit. This could be a dial, or other plastic pieces.

Really, most climbers don't need to change the fit of the helmet often, unless you're climbing with and without hats, or you have big hair that flattens and then requires tightening after climbing for awhile.

Yes

Vents

Yes

Headlamp Compatable

Yes

Face Shield Compatable

No

Certification

Certifications

The main climbing gear certifications are CE and UIAA--and normally the UIAA creates the rules that the CE body also supports. When possible, we try to list all the certifications the product carries.

To sell a climbing product in Europe, the device must be CE certified. There are no official requirements to sell climbing gear in the US. The UIAA certification is a voluntary process.

Great durable every day helmet. Have abused it to death with both groups and personal use and it is still holding strong. Lighter and better fit then edelrid ultralight. Super durable and colours make it easy to distinguish instructors from students.

Also easy to clean and air with removable padding making it more hygienic in group use settings.

Save yourself a noggin knockin

Very nice helmet. I bought it as a second helmet and it works well. It is comfortable and it wasn't expensive. My only complaint is that sometimes when I tighten the hat it catches my hair and pulls, which is not fun. Other than that, really good hat.

Very nice helmet. I bought it as a second helmet and it works well. It is comfortable and it wasn't expensive. My only complaint is that sometimes when I tighten the hat it catches my hair and pulls, which is not fun. Other than that, really good hat.

I have had the helmet for five years now and it is showing no signs of impending failure. None of the skinny plastic pieces seem compromised and the shell is still in great shape. Plus, the comfort factor is still high.

If you want a “set it and forget it” helmet, I highly suggest the new Black Diamond Half Dome. Plus, it comes in lots of cool colors. Buy one and for crying out loud, wear it – every time you get after the rock or ice.

I conclude my review about Black Diamond Half Dome climbing helmet by stressing again that this is a reliable and extremely durable climbing tool. The differences when you compare it with its competitors are really unsubstantial. I can warmly recommend this helmet for anybody.

The Half Dome is comfortable, durable, and an excellent value at $60. It scored very similarly to the Petzl Elios, in our tests but costs $5 less. We think that either one of these helmets are excellent options in the hardshell category. The main drawback to either of these helmets is the extra weight compared to lightweight foam helmets, but they are both cheaper and more durable.

So, two years later and I’m still recommending it. For the price it’s a great helmet and it will last you many seasons. Of course, it’s not the lightest helmet in the Black Diamond range but is probably the most versatile. A five star helmet!

Since I first wore the Half Dome that week at Red Rocks, it’s come on all my climbing adventures this summer, from big walls in Yosemite to single pitches at my local crag in Boise. It’s changed the way I think about helmets, and I can happily say my skateboarding one has been sitting at home, gathering dust.

All in all the Black Diamond Half Dome is a great, all round helmet. It’s not as stylish as some, it’s heavier than the polystyrene ones but it is more compact and a great improvement on what was already a good helmet. I feel Black Diamond have done a great job in re-vamping the Half Dome and if you looking for a well priced helmet for all seasons then you won’t go far wrong.

If you’re tired of the helmet run-around, look no further than the Black Diamond Half Dome. Available in five colors and two comprehensive sizes, (S/M, M/L) the Half Dome has seen a reinvention with the addition of EPS foam and a healthy dose of ventilation ports. Add a “highly adjustable suspension system” plus a fine-tuning adjuster wheel and you get “the most durable helmet Black Diamond makes.”

Summary: A pioneering hybrid design, the Black Diamond Half Dome offers great overall protection, with a large cap of polystyrene in the interior. The cinching, hook-and-latch adjustment system is a bit dated, however, and doesn’t measure up to the fit delivered by other hybrid models. Ventilation is also an issue: heat — and sweat vapor — like to rise, not go out the sides, which is where the Half Dome’s vents are located. Headlamp compatibility is excellent, with the four simple latches built into the vents, providing solid retention.
Pros: Durable; full coverage; accommodates headlamps well.
Cons: Dated adjustment system; limited ventilation.

Black Diamond has made major upgrades to its popular Half Dome helmet, all of which are bound to be well received when the helmet hits store shelves in July. This suspension helmet’s Velcro adjustment strap has been replaced by a large dial. The chinstrap adjustment, which took a lot of futzing to get just right on previous models, has been replaced by a buckle that adjusts with a single pull. Vents are larger throughout the helmet, and the new headlamp clips are much easier to use. Black Diamond also shaved almost three ounces off this helmet, making it 10 oz. for the S/M size—exceptionally light for a durable suspension helmet.

The UIAA equipment standard provides a baseline for equipment performance in a test lab under controlled conditions on new equipment. Although these test conditions are relevant to the conditions encountered climbing, conditions encountered at the crags and the condition of the equipment are equally important. This recommendation from the UIAA member federation The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) provides vital equipment information that is NOT explicitly addressed in the standard, particularly failure modes of the equipment and recommendations for the use, inspection, maintenance, and retirement of equipment.